"Roll Me Through the Rushes" is a song written by David Lasley and Lana Marrano (née Susan Joan Gaynes), originally recorded by Rosie,[1][2] featuring the vocals of David Lasley and released on their "Better Late Than Never" album by RCA in 1976.[3][4] American R&B singer and songwriter Chaka Khan covered the song for her debut solo album, Chaka, produced by Arif Mardin and released in 1978 by Warner Bros. Records.[5]
"Roll Me Through the Rushes" | |
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Single by Rosie | |
Genre | |
Length |
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Label | RCA |
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) |
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"Roll Me Through the Rushes" | |
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Song by Chaka Khan | |
from the album Chaka | |
Released | 1978 |
Genre | |
Length | 4:42 |
Label | Warner Bros. |
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Arif Mardin |
Music video | |
"Roll Me Through The Rushes" on YouTube |
The Harlettes opened Act II of Bette Midler's 1976 The Bette Midler Show HBO special with "Roll Me Through the Rushes". In 1977, the live concert was released as Live at Last), Midler's first live album. The song was recorded by Sharon Redd, Ula Hedwig and Charlotte Crossley on their "Formerly of the Harlettes" album released in 1978.[6][7][8][9]
Chaka Khan version
editOverview
editOf Chaka Khan's recording on her debut solo album,
The sentimental ballad "Roll Me Through the Rushes" is poetically engaging, and despite never being released as a single, it became a mainstay of radio.
— Craig Lytle, Allmusic[10]
Credits and personnel
editCredits are adapted from the album's liner notes.
- Cissy Houston – backing vocals
- Hamish Stuart – backing vocals
- David Lasley – backing vocals, songwriting
- Luther Vandross – backing vocals[13]
- Will Lee – bass
- Rick Marotta – drums
- Leon Pendarvis – electric piano
- Brook Tillotson – French horn
- Jim Buffington – French horn
- Cornell Dupree – guitar
- Phil Upchurch – guitar
- Gene Bianco – harp
- Lana Marrano – songwriting
- Arif Mardin – producer, arranging
Recorded at Atlantic Studios.[14]
Critical reception
editThe song received notable critical praise and mention in numerous record reviews and reviews, with Don Shewey of the Boston Phoenix declaring it a "pop-gospel standard".[15][16] HiFi Magazine wrote "The Arif Mardin-produced album celebrates a lot of Aretha soul" citing "Roll Me Through the Rushes".[17]
References
edit- ^ "A Second Disc Special Feature: David Lasley and Rosie". The Second Disc. 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
- ^ Roll Me Through the Rushes - Rosie | Song Info | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-02-06
- ^ Ravan, Genya (2013-01-29). Lollipop Lounge. eBook Partnership. ISBN 978-1-78301-034-9.
- ^ Roll Me Through the Rushes - Rosie | Song Info | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-01-05
- ^ Roll Me Through the Rushes - Chaka Khan | Song Info | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-02-06
- ^ The Bette Midler Show (1976) - IMDb, retrieved 2022-01-05
- ^ Kernis, Mark (1978-01-27). "Moving Into the Spotlight". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
- ^ "swedishcharts.com - Swedish Charts Portal". swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
- ^ "Dutch Charts - dutchcharts.nl". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
- ^ Lytle, Craig. "Chaka (Review)". Allmusic.
- ^ Bogdanov, Vladimir (2003). All Music Guide to Soul: The Definitive Guide to R&B and Soul. Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 978-0-87930-744-8.
- ^ "David Lasley". www.smooth-jazz.de. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
- ^ Haffenden, George (23 March 2015). "Rare Cut: Chaka Khan & George Benson – We Got The Love – The Funk and Soul Revue". Retrieved 2022-01-05.
- ^ Chaka Khan – Chaka (1978, Vinyl), 1978, retrieved 2022-01-05
- ^ "Album Picks" (PDF). Record World: 14. April 10, 1976 – via worldradiohistory.com.
- ^ "David Lasley's "Missin' Twenty Grand," reviewed in 1982 by Don Shewey". www.donshewey.com. Retrieved 2022-01-05.
- ^ "HiFi Guide | Chaka Khan". hifimagazine.net. Retrieved 2022-01-05.